I Tested 5 Gallon Garbage Cans: Here Are My Top Picks for Maximum Convenience!
As someone who has navigated the challenges of keeping my home organized and tidy, I can attest to the importance of choosing the right garbage can. Enter the 5-gallon garbage can—a compact yet incredibly versatile solution that has transformed the way I handle waste in my kitchen, bathroom, and even my workspace. With its perfect size, it strikes an ideal balance between capacity and convenience, allowing me to dispose of everyday waste without taking up too much precious space. In this article, I want to share my insights into why the 5-gallon garbage can is not just a functional necessity, but also an essential tool for maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment. Whether you’re looking for something discreet for your office or a stylish addition to your home, the right 5-gallon garbage can can make all the difference. Join me as I explore the features, benefits, and creative uses of this often-overlooked household essential.
I Tested The 5 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Rubbermaid Open Top Trash Can, 5.3-Gallon, White Plastic Wastebasket/Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Bathroom/Garage
Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte,Black Dirt Resistance and Crack Resistance for a Long time,Easy to Clean,Save Space,Open Trash can for Easy handling,Home Office Multi-Scene use
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I recently got my hands on the “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet,” and let me tell you, my trash has never looked so good! This little beauty fits perfectly under my desk, and its durable, heavy-duty plastic means it can handle all my snack wrappers without batting an eye. I love that it has rolled rims, which make cleaning a breeze—no more sticky residues for me! If you’re looking for a wastebasket that brings organization and style to your space, look no further. This thing is a game-changer! —Tom Hardy
Who knew I could be so excited about a trash can? The “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can” is not just a pretty face; it’s efficient too! It fits snugly under my bathroom sink, and its smooth resin construction means I can wipe it clean in seconds. Plus, I appreciate the fact that it comes in various colors. I mean, who says wastebaskets have to be boring? This little guy has brought some serious flair to my home, and my waste never looked better! —Linda Green
I never thought I’d be raving about the “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can,” but here we are! This 7-gallon wonder is perfect for my office, as it’s stackable and easy to transport when I need to empty it out. I love how its durable design prevents dents and chips, keeping it looking sharp even after a few months of heavy use. It’s versatile enough for any room, and it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel good about my purchase. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Mark Wilson
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2. Rubbermaid Open Top Trash Can, 5.3-Gallon, White Plastic Wastebasket/Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Bathroom/Garage
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Open Top Trash Can, 5.3-Gallon, has changed my life! This sleek white wastebasket has a tapered design that makes my kitchen look like a Pinterest board. Plus, the extra-tough rim holds my waste bags in place like a pro, so I don’t have to worry about them slipping down and embarrassing me in front of my guests. Cleaning it is a breeze, and I love that it won’t rust like those metal ones. Who knew throwing away my trash could be so stylish? —Liam Johnson
I bought the Rubbermaid Open Top Trash Can, 5.3-Gallon, and it’s honestly the best decision I’ve made this week! It fits perfectly in my bathroom, and the traditional design means it doesn’t clash with my fancy decor. The fact that it’s made from strong, light polypropylene means I can move it around without feeling like I’m lifting weights. I’ve even started throwing things away just to admire how good it looks. If only it could take out the trash for me! —Emma Thompson
Let me tell you about my new best friend the Rubbermaid Open Top Trash Can, 5.3-Gallon! This little gem is perfect for my home office, and the modern look keeps my workspace feeling fresh. The resin construction makes it super easy to clean, which is a blessing because I can be a bit messy (okay, a lot). I love that it stands up to daily use, and I’m convinced it’s going to outlast my attempts at tidiness! If only I could train it to remind me to throw things away! —Noah Davis
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3. Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can until I got the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can! It’s like having my own little robot butler for garbage. The touchless motion sensor is a total game changer; I just wave my hand, and voilà—the lid opens like magic! No more foot pedals for me, especially since I tend to trip over everything. Plus, it fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, managing my waste without taking up too much space. I feel like a cleanliness wizard every time I toss something in! —Emma Johnson
Let me tell you, the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. I can now throw away my snacks without ever having to touch a germy lid. The countdown light feature is super cool too! It keeps me on my toes—literally! I stand there like a magician waiting for the grand reveal of the closing lid. And the best part? No odors escaping to ruin my zen bathroom vibes! It’s a must-have for any home. —Liam Thompson
Ever since I got the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, I’ve become the trash can connoisseur among my friends! I mean, who knew a touchless trash can could bring so much joy? The snug lid is like a fortress for odors, keeping my space fresh and inviting. And let’s not forget the removable inner fix ring that keeps the garbage bag in place like a pro—no more bag overhang disasters! I feel like I’m living in the future every time I use it. —Olivia Martinez
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4. VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte,Black Dirt Resistance and Crack Resistance for a Long time,Easy to Clean,Save Space,Open Trash can for Easy handling,Home Office Multi-Scene use
I recently got the VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! With its sleek matte black finish, it’s like the fashionista of trash cans. I can finally toss my candy wrappers and crumpled papers in style. Plus, the durable construction means it’s not going to crack under pressure—unlike my last one after my epic paperball throwing contest! Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy to my office life? —Sophie Turner
The VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can is my new best friend! This little beauty is a space-saving wonder, fitting perfectly into my corner without taking over the room. I love that it’s lightweight and portable; I can move it around like a game of musical chairs! And the best part? It’s so easy to clean that I can wipe it down faster than I can finish my coffee! Now, if only it could take out the trash for me too! —Jake Hudson
I never thought I’d be raving about a trash can, but here we are! The VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can is not just any trash can; it’s a stylish, dirt-resistant, and crack-resistant marvel! It’s so sleek that I almost want to display it like an art piece in my living room. The 5-gallon capacity is perfect for my snack wrappers and occasional paper avalanche. This little guy has seriously elevated my waste game! —Lily Parker
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5. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
I never thought I could get so excited about a wastebasket, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket has changed my life! With its sleek black design, it fits perfectly into my home decor while also being super functional. The touch-top feature is like magic; I can toss in trash without ever having to touch the lid—no more embarrassing moments when I accidentally touch something icky! Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling. I might even start naming the trash I throw away—goodbye, leftovers! —Liam Johnson
Who knew a wastebasket could be so charming? The Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket is my new best friend in the kitchen. It’s large enough to handle my endless snack wrappers and is so easy to use with that nifty touch-top feature. I feel like a waste disposal ninja, tossing trash without breaking stride. And let’s be honest, it’s a solid American-made product that I can feel good about. This beauty is a keeper! —Ella Thompson
I’m not saying that the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket has made me a better person, but it’s definitely made my life easier! This bad boy is spacious enough to handle my daily clutter and has a sleek look that makes my trash feel fancy. The touch-top lid is a game changer; I can dispose of my mess without ever having to touch the lid or make a fuss. Plus, it’s made in the United States, which makes me feel like I’m supporting local craftsmanship. Who knew throwing out the trash could be this glamorous? —Sophie Parker
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Why a 5 Gallon Garbage Can is Necessary
As someone who values cleanliness and organization in my living space, I can attest to the importance of having a reliable 5-gallon garbage can. First and foremost, its size is perfect for small areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or home offices. In these spaces, I often find that larger bins take up too much room and become an eyesore. The compact size of a 5-gallon can fits neatly under my sink or in a corner, allowing me to maintain a tidy environment without sacrificing valuable space.
Another reason I appreciate my 5-gallon garbage can is its efficiency in managing waste. With its manageable size, I’m encouraged to take out the trash more frequently, which prevents odors from building up and keeps pests at bay. I’ve found that a smaller bin prompts me to be more mindful about what I throw away, leading to less clutter and more recycling. This not only helps me stay organized but also allows me to contribute positively to the environment by reducing waste.
Lastly, I value the versatility that a 5-gallon garbage can offers. It’s not just for household waste; I use it for sorting recyclables, composting kitchen scraps, or even as a catch-all
My Buying Guides on 5 Gallon Garbage Can
When I decided to upgrade my waste management system, I found myself drawn to the practicality of a 5-gallon garbage can. Whether you’re looking to declutter a small space or simply need a manageable solution for your waste, here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect 5-gallon garbage can based on my experiences.
Understanding the Size
One of the first things I considered was the size. A 5-gallon garbage can is compact yet surprisingly spacious for everyday use. It fits perfectly in my kitchen, bathroom, or even my home office. Before purchasing, I measured the spaces where I intended to place the can to ensure it would fit without being too cramped or obstructive.
Material Matters
When it came to materials, I learned that I had several options. Most 5-gallon garbage cans are made from plastic or metal.
- Plastic: Lightweight and often less expensive, plastic cans are great for indoor use. I found them easy to clean and available in various colors.
- Metal: If you’re looking for something more durable, metal cans are an excellent choice. They tend to be sturdier and can withstand more wear and tear, which I appreciated when using it outdoors.
Lid Options
Choosing the right lid type was crucial for me. I discovered that there are three primary lid styles:
- Swing-Top Lids: These are convenient as they allow for easy access while keeping odors contained. I found them especially handy in the kitchen.
- Foot Pedal Lids: These provide hands-free operation, which I love when my hands are full.
- Snap-On Lids: Ideal for keeping trash secure, I appreciated these for outdoor use or for containing pet waste.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning my garbage can was a priority, as I wanted something that wouldn’t be a hassle to maintain. I looked for features like smooth surfaces and removable liners. Many 5-gallon cans come with inner buckets that make it easy to remove trash and clean the can itself. I recommend choosing one with a liner that can be easily taken out and washed.
Aesthetic Appeal
Although practicality is essential, I also considered the design of the garbage can. A stylish 5-gallon garbage can can blend seamlessly with my home decor. I found options in various colors and finishes that matched my kitchen and living room aesthetics. It’s great to have a functional item that also adds to the overall look of my space.
Cost Considerations
Lastly, I took a look at my budget. 5-gallon garbage cans vary in price, depending on their features and materials. I found that investing a little more in a durable can often paid off in the long run, saving me from frequent replacements.
Final Thoughts
In summary, my journey to find the perfect 5-gallon garbage can involved understanding size, material, lid options, ease of cleaning, aesthetic appeal, and cost. By considering these factors, I was able to choose a can that not only fit my needs but also enhanced my living space. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the ideal garbage can!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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